Canada is full of cute small towns, diverse cities and picturesque farmlands, making it a beautiful country to call home. A recent study by moving company MovingWaldo revealed the very best places to live in the country, and I happened to grow up in the top-ranked spot.
The study looked at factors such as safety, affordability and quality of life to find the six best places to live in Canada in 2024, with an Ontario destination coming in at number one.
It came as no surprise to me that my hometown and the surrounding area were recognized as the best of the best. The region boasts stunning landscapes, beautiful small towns and more, and growing up there was nothing short of magical.
Wellington County, located in the southwestern part of Ontario, was named the best place to live in Canada overall due to its low crime, low unemployment rate, and healthy population growth.
According to the study, "as of November 2023, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,738, and the average property price is $861,528."
Having grown up in Wellington County, I've experienced firsthand the reasons that make this region exceptional, beyond just the statistics. Here's why I think this area is truly special.
It has so many cute small towns
If you love a cute small town like me, then Wellington County is the place to be. The area is home to several charming towns and villages where you can spend your days exploring local shops and sipping coffee at little cafes.
My two favourites are Fergus and Elora. Boasting Scottish heritage, historic streets and old-world atmospheres, I spent so much of my time in these quaint towns.
The highlight of these gems is the Grand River, which winds through the villages and offers scenic views, beautiful waterfalls and more. During the warmer months, you can tube down the rushing water or hike your way along the rugged gorge.
The Wellington County Museum is a fun spot for a day trip and features exhibits about WWI, the history of the area and more.
Other small towns in the area include Erin, Rockwood, Mount Forest and Arthur, each of which offer their own unique charm.
The scenery is breathtaking
Another draw of Wellington County is its scenery.
"The region is home to a variety of parks and green spaces, like Elora Gorge and Victoria Park," MovingWaldo said. "Many of the residents of Wellington County enjoy cycling and hiking, so be prepared to get outside!"
It's true that this spot is a haven for nature lovers. The rolling hills, farmland and open fields of the county often remind me of a painting. I spent so much of my childhood outside, wandering through the Guelph Arboretum or taking a dip in the Elora Quarry.
The quarry, which has grown in popularity since I used to swim there, is a majestic swimming hole surrounded by limestone cliffs. It features a sandy beach, turquoise waters and picnic spots.
The Rockwood Conservation Area is another beautiful spot to enjoy the outdoors. The nature oasis features caves, glacial potholes, old ruins and picturesque trails.
It's close to major cities
Despite growing up in what some people called "the middle of nowhere," I never felt isolated as major cities were just a road trip away.
"What makes Wellington County unique, as noted by many locals, is its strategic location, providing easy accessibility to Brampton, Mississauga, Kitchener, and Downtown Toronto. In this case, owning a car is necessary, as there is limited public transportation in Wellington," the study said.
The City of Guelph was a short drive from my home, and if we were craving a day in a big city, Toronto was just over an hour away (depending on traffic, of course).
This was ideal because I was able to enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of the countryside while still having access to malls, attractions and more.
It is quiet but there is lots to do
Growing up in the countryside of Wellington County meant a slower pace of life, but that doesn't mean it was boring. There was always so much going on, from annual festivals and events to fun activities and more.
During the summer months, you can enjoy live music events like the Hillside Festival and RiverFest Elora. The summer is also a great time to explore the many trails, conservation areas, lakes and more, as well as catch a movie at the Mustang Drive-In. The season is never complete without a trip to The Boathouse Tea Room for an ice cream cone by the water.
In the winter, the area offers Santa Claus parades, glistening ice rinks, cozy small towns for shopping and snowy hikes. The fall means pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted train rides, fall fairs and more autumn adventures.
The area also has a thriving arts scene with many galleries, workshops and boutiques selling handmade jewelry and more.
There is a strong sense of community
One of the things I miss most about living in Wellington County is the strong sense of community the area fosters, where neighbours felt more like family, always ready to help out or welcome you inside for tea and cookies.
No matter where you went, you'd usually run into someone you know and strike up a friendly conversation.
From community theatre productions to church gatherings and school events, the community spirit was a part of every day life.
There's a rich agricultural heritage
Living in a rural community made me appreciate the land and farming so much more.
Events like College Royal in Guelph and the many fall fairs that take place throughout the county celebrate the rich agricultural traditions and all the hard work that goes into it.
There are lots of local farms and farmers' markets where you can pick up fresh produce and other goods, as well as farm-to-table restaurants that let you enjoy the true taste of the county.
The sound of rustling corn stalks and views of golden hay bales scattered across fields will always be ingrained in my mind. There's so much open space and a true appreciation for nature in the region.
The other five spots that were named the "best places to live in Canada with the best quality of life" are Oak Bay in British Columbia, LaSalle in Essex County, Lévis in Quebec and Burlington in Ontario.
Last year, Wellington County was ranked at number 10 on the list, with Edmonton snagging the top spot. As a Wellington County native, I'm glad to see it's getting some recognition.
If you're wondering where to settle down in Canada, Wellington County might just have what you're looking for.
Ontario affordable cities chart.